12-Point Climate Emergency Plan

12 Point Massachusetts Climate Emergency Plan
February 22, 2017

With change imminent in national energy policy, states must assume leadership in preventing catastrophic climate disruption. Taking this emergency seriously requires a World War II scale mobilization and a broad and inclusive base of support. Particular attention must be paid to the voices of those least responsible and most affected– the Environmental Justice (EJ) communities. Massachusetts can and should play a leading role by making an emergency transition to 100% clean, renewable energy by 2030, with policies implemented by each state agency and involving every energy sector:

Reduce fossil fuel dependence in transportation.
Require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to plan for an electric transport system servicing Massachusetts municipalities, including rail, bus, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, & complementary bicycle infrastructure; fund it by 2018.
Increase subsidies and incentives for carpooling and EV ownership.
Prohibit sale of new fossil fuel powered passenger vehicles in MA by 2030. Create a buy-back program for such vehicles, & incentives to make replacements affordable.
Require the Commonwealth to “Lead by Example” by prohibiting state and municipal purchase of fossil fuel powered passenger vehicles by 2020.
Implement a clean fuel standard for vehicles unable to be powered by electricity.

Reduce energy demand in building and construction.
Require a new “Stretch Code” specifying that all new building be zero-net energy.
Require that all appropriately sited new buildings be solar ready.
Require energy audits before sale/rental of buildings and display of the energy label.
Increase incentives to retrofit existing buildings to approach zero-net energy.
Require Massachusetts to “Lead by Example” by retrofitting all Commonwealth buildings to conform to the above standards, with benchmarks for progress.
Transition oversight of MassSave to an entity without vested interests.

Implement a fair carbon pollution fee and rebate program.
Implement a fair carbon pollution fee for wholesalers of fossil fuels, and rebate the fee in an equitable way to residents (especially to low-income residents) and businesses/organizations in MA.

Expand statewide public education campaigns to mobilize public support for the rapid energy transition.
Require the Department of Energy Resources to launch a “Make it Renewable, Make it Local, Make it in Massachusetts” campaign to mobilize support for a rapid renewable energy transition, and promote sustainable living and business practices.

Click on this link to download the .PDF file: CAN12pointplan2016-dec-17